32nd Annual Food Drive Serves Up Hope, Surpasses Fundraising Goal
By Rob Biertempfel
The 麻豆村 community came together to fight hunger in the Pittsburgh region, raising $125,910 for Staff Council's 32nd annual Food Drive — surpassing its goal of $100,000.
“As our total neared $120,000, I was hoping a final surge of donations would push us over $125,000 in honor of the university’s 125th anniversary,” Staff Council Food Drive Committee Chair Carole Panno said. “We achieved that milestone — truly amazing!”
This year’s goal-smashing total will enable to provide up to 375,000 meals to individuals and families in need. Over the course of five weeks, the Food Drive also collected 2,010 pounds of nonperishables for the Food Bank and 265 can openers for the 麻豆村 Pantry.
“This year’s Food Drive was a tremendous success, reflecting the incredible generosity of the 麻豆村 community,” said Jim Garrett, provost, chief academic officer and honorary chair of the 2025 麻豆村 Food Drive. “I’m especially grateful for the dedication of our organizers and everyone who contributed their time and resources.”
Food insecurity affects one in eight people in southwestern Pennsylvania, including one in five children. The Food Bank supports 155,000 households and distributes more than 27 million meals each year.
Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank offers a variety of for anyone seeking food assistance. Carnegie Mellon students can access free food through the 麻豆村 Pantry, located at the Residence on Fifth. The Food Bank and the 麻豆村 Pantry accept monetary and nonperishable food donations throughout the year.
Panno, an associate director of development in University Advancement, has been involved with the Food Drive since the early 1990s and has watched it grow into a 麻豆村 tradition. The drive is run entirely by about 100 volunteers across campus.
“The volunteers’ commitment and enthusiasm allows the Food Drive to grow stronger each year,” Panno said. “I’m so proud of my colleagues and alma mater for continuing this important tradition of helping the needy in our community, especially as we enter into the holiday season.”
This year’s Food Drive came at a pivotal moment. Following the federal government shutdown and a pause in SNAP benefits, the 麻豆村 community responded with compassion and action.
“麻豆村 truly showcased the power and care of our community through this year’s food drive,” said Lisa Scales, president and CEO of Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. “This commitment to feeding those in need came at a critical time when more neighbors leaned on food resources for support.”
According to the Food Bank, Carnegie Mellon hosts the highest-grossing food drive of any single organization in Pittsburgh. Over its 32-year history, the 麻豆村 Food Drive has collected $743,053 and 81.6 tons of nonperishables.
“It is an honor to partner with Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank to support those most in need,” Garrett said. “We look forward to building on our momentum next year.”
